ARIAS 2026 Open for Entries: UK Radio & Podcast Awards Now Accepting Submissions

The ARIAS 2026 Awards, the UK’s most prestigious celebration of excellence in radio, podcasting and audio storytelling, have officially opened for entries, marking a major moment in the audio industry calendar. From national broadcasters and independent podcasters to journalists, sound designers and audiobook creators, the awards once again invite the very best in British audio to step into the spotlight.

Organised by The Radio Academy, the ARIAS have become the gold standard for recognising creative innovation, editorial excellence and technical mastery across radio and on-demand audio. With podcasting continuing its explosive growth and audio storytelling evolving faster than ever, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the most competitive and diverse yet.

ARIAS 2026 awards open for podcasting and radio entries in the UK

What Are the ARIAS Awards?

The ARIAS (Audio and Radio Industry Awards) are widely regarded as the UK’s highest honour for audio professionals. Since their inception, the awards have celebrated exceptional achievements across:

Unlike popularity-based awards, the ARIAS are peer-judged, meaning winners are selected by experienced industry professionals who understand the craft, creativity and impact behind every submission.

Each year, more than 200 senior leaders from across the audio ecosystem take part in the judging process, ensuring the awards maintain credibility, fairness and prestige.

ARIAS 2026: Entries Now Open

Entries for the ARIAS 2026 officially opened on 7 January 2026, welcoming submissions from audio creators and teams across the UK.

This year’s call for entries reflects the changing nature of audio, embracing both traditional broadcasting and the booming world of podcasts and digital storytelling.

Key Entry Dates and Fees

Creators planning to submit their work should take note of the following important deadlines:

Early submission is encouraged, not only to take advantage of reduced pricing but also to allow sufficient time for careful category selection and supporting material preparation.

Who Can Enter the ARIAS 2026?

The ARIAS are open to UK-based audio creators who are members of The Radio Academy. Eligible entrants include a wide range of professionals and organisations, such as:

Whether you are part of a large media organisation or an independent creator working from a home studio, the ARIAS aim to reflect the full breadth of British audio talent.

Celebrating the Rise of Podcasts and On-Demand Audio

One of the defining features of the ARIAS in recent years has been their strong focus on podcasts and digital audio formats.

As listening habits continue to shift away from traditional schedules towards on-demand consumption, podcasts have emerged as a powerful platform for:

The ARIAS 2026 continue to recognise podcasts not as a side category, but as a central pillar of the modern audio industry.

From daily news podcasts to long-form investigative series and experimental sound design projects, podcast creators are encouraged to submit work that pushes creative and editorial boundaries.

Categories That Reflect the Entire Audio Ecosystem

The ARIAS Awards cover a broad range of categories designed to recognise excellence across genres, formats and production styles.

While the full category list is available on The Radio Academy website, submissions typically span areas such as:

Content and Storytelling

Production and Technical Excellence

Talent and Performance

Impact and Innovation

Each category is judged on originality, clarity, execution, audience impact and overall excellence.

Judged by Industry Leaders

What truly sets the ARIAS apart is the depth and expertise of its judging panel.

More than 200 senior professionals from radio, podcasting, journalism and audio production are involved in the judging process. This includes:

Every entry is reviewed carefully, ensuring that winners are selected based on merit, creativity and contribution to the industry — not popularity or platform size.

Supporting Independent and Underrepresented Creators

Recognising that entry fees can be a barrier for some creators, the ARIAS continue to support accessibility through the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund.

What Is the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund?

The fund is designed to:

Eligible creators can apply for financial assistance to help cover the cost of submitting entries, ensuring that talent — not budget — determines who gets recognised.

This initiative plays a crucial role in making the ARIAS more inclusive and representative of the UK’s diverse audio landscape.

Why the ARIAS Matter to the Audio Industry

Winning or even being shortlisted for an ARIAS can be career-defining. The awards offer far more than a trophy — they provide:

For many creators, ARIAS recognition leads to new partnerships, funding opportunities and audience growth.

Showcasing the Diversity of British Audio

From regional radio stations to niche podcasts serving specific communities, the ARIAS reflect the diverse voices shaping British audio.

The awards celebrate:

This commitment to diversity ensures the ARIAS remain relevant, forward-looking and reflective of modern Britain.

How to Enter the ARIAS 2026

Creators wishing to submit entries should visit The Radio Academy’s official website, where they can:

Careful attention should be paid to submission guidelines, as clarity and presentation can significantly influence how judges experience an entry.

Looking Ahead to the ARIAS 2026 Ceremony

The ARIAS 2026 Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place in May 2026, with further details regarding location and hosts to be announced.

The ceremony is expected to bring together leading voices from across radio, podcasting and audio journalism for a night that celebrates creativity, innovation and excellence.

Final Thoughts

The opening of entries for the ARIAS 2026 marks the beginning of one of the most important seasons in the UK audio industry. As podcasts continue to reshape how stories are told and consumed, the awards remain a vital platform for recognising the people and projects pushing audio forward.

For creators who have poured time, skill and imagination into their work over the past year, the ARIAS represent an opportunity to be seen, heard and celebrated at the highest level.

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